The [[Lion Cub Scouts]] is a pilot program created to introduce a new [[Cub Scout]] program for boys age 5 or in Kindergarten and their [[adult partners]]. The program is focused on parent planning and delivery with support from the Cub Scout [[pack]] using literature specifically designed for the younger age group (Lion Cub Scout Adult Guide and Lion Cub Scout Adventure Guide). The Adult Guide contains a detailed plan for each month’s curriculum and breaks down each section into Family/Den Activities, At-Home Activities and Grand Adventures.

The [[Lion Cub Scouts]] is a pilot program created to introduce a new [[Cub Scout]] program for boys age 5 or in Kindergarten and their [[adult partners]]. The program is focused on parent planning and delivery with support from the Cub Scout [[pack]] using literature specifically designed for the younger age group (Lion Cub Scout Adult Guide and Lion Cub Scout Adventure Guide). The Adult Guide contains a detailed plan for each month’s curriculum and breaks down each section into Family/Den Activities, At-Home Activities and Grand Adventures.

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==Pilot Program==

The program was developed by the Northern Star Council and is scheduled to test for a total of 5 years. 2008-2009 is the first year of the program and includes a total of 262 of Lion Cub Scouts currently enrolled in the program. During the year, Adult Partners will be asked to provide answers to detailed survey questions and provide feedback on each month’s theme, plans and activities. The first report on the pilot program will be released at the end of December 2008 based on the October/November adult partner surveys and evaluations. The primary curriculum/educational outcomes are for parents/Adult Partners to learn the basics of youth development and Scouting’s proven tools for raising happy, healthy children. The outcome for the kids is to discover the fun of Scouting at an earlier age.

The program was developed by the Northern Star Council and is scheduled to test for a total of 5 years. 2008-2009 is the first year of the program and includes a total of 262 of Lion Cub Scouts currently enrolled in the program. During the year, Adult Partners will be asked to provide answers to detailed survey questions and provide feedback on each month’s theme, plans and activities. The first report on the pilot program will be released at the end of December 2008 based on the October/November adult partner surveys and evaluations. The primary curriculum/educational outcomes are for parents/Adult Partners to learn the basics of youth development and Scouting’s proven tools for raising happy, healthy children. The outcome for the kids is to discover the fun of Scouting at an earlier age.

Current revision

The Lion Cub Scouts is a pilot program created to introduce a new Cub Scout program for boys age 5 or in Kindergarten and their adult partners. The program is focused on parent planning and delivery with support from the Cub Scout pack using literature specifically designed for the younger age group (Lion Cub Scout Adult Guide and Lion Cub Scout Adventure Guide). The Adult Guide contains a detailed plan for each month’s curriculum and breaks down each section into Family/Den Activities, At-Home Activities and Grand Adventures.

Pilot Program

The program was developed by the Northern Star Council and is scheduled to test for a total of 5 years. 2008-2009 is the first year of the program and includes a total of 262 of Lion Cub Scouts currently enrolled in the program. During the year, Adult Partners will be asked to provide answers to detailed survey questions and provide feedback on each month’s theme, plans and activities. The first report on the pilot program will be released at the end of December 2008 based on the October/November adult partner surveys and evaluations. The primary curriculum/educational outcomes are for parents/Adult Partners to learn the basics of youth development and Scouting’s proven tools for raising happy, healthy children. The outcome for the kids is to discover the fun of Scouting at an earlier age.

The Lion Cub Scouts pilot program will ultimately be evaluated based on retention of youth in the program. The initial results will be tabulated based on the number of youth registering as Tiger Cubs by June 2009 with a targeted retention rate of 75%. In addition to Tiger Cub registration, attendance at camp and advancement will be measured. At the end of the year, the entire program curriculum will be evaluated based on parent/Adult Partner surveys, evaluations and other observations by the local council staff. If warranted, the program will then be expanded to a larger area to test the initial results of the first year of the program.

Northern Star Council's Lion Cub Flier

Welcome to Lion Cubs Northern Star Council, BSA LION CUBS A Cub Scout Program for Kindergarten Boys and their Families.

The Cub Scout adventure begins with the Lion Cubs . . . A program of exciting indoor and outdoor activities designed for kindergarten boys and their adult partner. Adults are there as a support and guide, and allow the new Cub Scout to discover the activities and consequences under adult supervision. He will learn by doing these things himself. And as he learns and grows the relationship with him will grow as well.

At the end of the school year, he will graduate to Tiger Cubs. Then with each following year he will advance through the Cub Scout program as a Wolf, then Bear, then finally as a Webelos Scout.

The purpose of the Boy Scouts of America is to provide an educational program for boys . . .

To build character

To foster citizenship

To develop personal fitness

As children grow, we know how important it is to offer the very best information and provide resources to teach selfassurance as they build respect for other people. The Boy Scouts of America has such a program - Cub Scouting - which has been serving grade school-aged boys since 1930.

Who are Lion Cubs?
· Lion Cubs are kindergarten boys
· Lion Cubs join with a parent / adult partner
· Lion Cubs form dens of 6-8 Lion Cub pairs
· Lion Cub dens are part of a Cub Scout pack
· Lion Cubs may wear a special Lion Cub t-shirt to their activities
· Lion Cubs move to the next Cub Scout level (Tiger Cubs) at the end of kindergarten

The goals of the Lion Cubs program

To strengthen Scouting’s position in the community

To reflect the diversity of our communities

To offer greater support for children and their families

To introduce children and their families to the fun of the outdoors

To provide extended learning opportunities outside of school

Lion Cub Family benefits

Offers age-appropriate activities each month

Provides value for families

Enhances quality family time

Provides a forum for adult interaction

Encourages positive interaction between Scouts

Strengthens parenting skills

Introduces families to Scouting Goals of the Lion Cubs Program

Pack Coordinator Position Concept

Serves as the pack’s representative to the Lion Cub den.

Lead and promote Lion Cubs recruitment programs in your pack.

Assist with the transition of Lion Cubs to Tiger Cubs at the end of the Kindergarten school year.

Completes evaluation of the Lion Cubs program.

As a parent or caring adult, you want your Lion Cub to grow up to be self-reliant and dependable, worthy and caring. Scouting has these same goals in mind for him.

Lion Cubs Kindergarten Pilot Frequently Asked Questions

PILOT PROGRAM

1. WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY “PILOT”?

Northern Star Council’s Lion Cub pilot is a test program that our council applied for and that was approved on a very limited basis by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Strict guidelines have been set for participation, timing, program delivery, training and feedback that will be used to develop and refine (or possibly reject) this as a new BSA program

2. HOW DOES THIS PROGRAM DIFFER FROM OUR CURRENT CUB SCOUT PROGRAMS?

This new program is focused on parent planning and delivery, with youth participation. The primary curriculum/educational outcomes is for parents (learning about the basics of youth development, and Scouting’s proven tools for raising happy, healthy children), and the outcome for kids is to commit to the FUN of Scouting at an earlier age.

No! The only allowance for recruitment of kindergarteners within the entire BSA is within this pilot program, and only after completing all necessary commitments and requirements.

4. OUR NEW MEMBER SIGN-UP IS THIS WEEK. SHOULD WE ADD KINDERGARTNERS TO OUR FLYERS?

No, Lion Cubs should be recruited separately from your regular fall roundup. Lion Cub recruitment flyers, order forms and Pack Recruitment Materials are available for your pack. A special Lion Cub recruitment presentation is available to give just the information on Lion Cubs instead of all of the Cub Scouting program that regular members receive.

5. HOW WERE DISTRICTS CHOSEN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PILOT?

District leadership (Key 3) was asked to make a commitment to support the Lion Cub pilot program and recruit a District Lion Cub Coordinator who would handle communication and feedback from the packs to the council.

6. HOW WERE PACKS CHOSEN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PILOT?

After making a commitment to support the pilot and recruiting a District Coordinator, Districts were asked to identify up to 20% of their packs that met the following requirements:

1. Top Leaders Trained

2. Year round program

3. Participate in fall recruitment

Note: We are limited to 500 youth in this year’s pilot.

7. ARE PACKS GUARANTEED INCLUSION IN THE PILOT PROGRAM AFTER RECOMMENDATION?

No, pack leadership must make a commitment to follow the program (as written), recruit a Pack Lion Cub Coordinator, and complete all requested feedback forms.

PILOT PROGRAM REGISTRATION DETAILS

1. IS THERE A LION CUB APPLICATION FORM?

Lion Cubs and their adult partner use the BSA “Youth” application. Applications must be complete with both youth and adult partner information. Please write “LION CUBS” above the bold words “YOUTH MEMBERSHIP.”

2. WHAT IS THE COST OF REGISTRATION?

$15.00 for the Lion Cub pair (Kindergarten boy and adult partner)

3. WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR THAT REGISTRATION FEE?

Each Lion Cub pair will receive a Lion Cub Activity Guide, Lion Cub Adult Guide, two iron-on decals for a t-shirt they purchase, and an instant recognition kit.

4. CAN LION CUBS ORDER BOYS’ LIFE MAGAZINE?

No, Lion Cubs are not eligible for Boys’ Life magazine until June of 2009.

No, Lion Cubs should not be charged any additional fees at the time of registration. The fee is $15.00 to participate in the pilot. If your pack invites them to a pack activity (i.e. Holiday Party, etc) and there is an additional charge you may consider asking them at that time. Remember, Lion Cubs should only be invited to two or three pack meetings.

6. HOW WILL LION CUBS AND THEIR ADULT PARTNERS RECEIVE THEIR CURRICULUM?

Curriculum, iron-on decals and instant recognition kits will be mailed upon receipt of the youth application. Applications should be turned in to the Hulings or Gabbert Scout Service Center in the Lion Cub Recruitment Envelope.

LION CUB PROGRAM DETAILS

1. WHAT IS THE UNIFORM FOR LION CUBS?

Each Lion Cub pair will receive two iron-on decals to be applied to a t-shirt they purchase. Lion Cub dens may choose their own t-shirt color.

2. HOW ARE LION CUBS RECOGNIZED?

Instant Recognition Kits (Similar to Tiger Cub kits) will be provided. Lion Cubs earn beads for each activity they complete.

3. HOW OFTEN SHOULD LION CUB DENS ATTEND PACK MEETINGS?

Lion Cubs and their adult partners may be invited to two or three pack meetings – possibly a holiday party, Blue and Gold and Graduation in May or June.

4. WHEN DO LION CUBS TRANSITION TO TIGER CUBS?

June 2009

5. SHOULD LION CUB FAMILIES PARTICIPATE IN FRIENDS OF SCOUTING AND The POPCORN OR UNIT PRODUCT SALE?

Lion Cubs and their adult partners will not be listed on unit rosters and should not be asked to participate in FOS or the popcorn sale.

6. ARE LION CUBS ELIGIBLE FOR ANY OTHER RECOGNITION (IE

BELT LOOPS, ETC.)?

KIS-MIF (Keep it Simple, Make it FUN) applies to Lion Cubs. This curriculum was developed as an age appropriate program for Kindergarten boys and should not be confused with other Cub Scout programs. This new program is focused on parent planning and delivery, with youth participation. The Pack Lion Cub Coordinator should “coordinate” with Lion Cub families, not lead as a den leader.

7. SHOULD LION CUBS PARTICIPATE IN THE PACK PINEWOOD DERBY?

In keeping with a limited number of pack meeting attendance and the age-appropriate curriculum, we would recommend that the Lion Cubs do not build their own pinewood derby (something to look forward to as a Cub Scout.) You may invite the Lion Cub families to attend and provide sample cars for them to race.

8. HOW DO PACK LION CUB COORDINATORS REGISTER?

Coordinators should register as a Den Leader on a BSA “Adult” application. They may be “dual” registered. Please write “LION CUB COORDINATOR” under the words “ADULT APPLICATION”.

9. SHOULD LION CUBS PARTICIPATE IN PACK CAMPING PROGRAMS?

Think age-appropriate activities. We would recommend that Lion Cubs wait until they graduate to Tiger Cubs to participate in camping activities. They will participate in many Grand Adventures with their Lion Cub dens throughout the year.

10. I’VE RECEIVED REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION FROM SCOUTERS WHO ARE NOT PART OF OUR PILOT PROGRAM (INCLUDING THOSE FROM OTHER COUNCILS), MAY I SHARE INFORMATION WITH THEM?

No, Northern Star Council is the only council with permission to pilot this Kindergarten program, and only those packs who have met the requirements may participate.

11. MAY LION CUBS ATTEND POLAR CUBS THIS WINTER?

No. Our Cub Scout camping programs are age-appropriate and grade specific. Polar Cubs which is an outdoor day-long winter activity is not appropriate for kindergarten boys.

12. WHEN WILL LION CUBS BE ELIGIBLE FOR CUB SCOUT CAMPING ACTIVITIES?

Lion Cubs graduating to Tiger Cubs in the spring of 2009 will be eligible to attend pack, district, and council camping activities after June 1, 2009.